Dishwasher is supposed to ease a homeowner’s operations in the kitchen with aim of catering for the dishes, cleaning these and removing odor on the same. Although, when your dishwasher dips into making foul smells, it is not only irritating but also affects the efficiency of the machine’s cleaning process. Unpleasant smells in your dishwasher arise from food residue, oil accumulation, or the growth of mold on dishes placed in your appliance. Fortunately, those bad odours can easily be eradicated by use of proper cleaning methods and regular maintenance of the dishwasher. In this article we’ll separate the best strategies for cleaning a smelly dishwasher and methods that can help avoid having stinky dishes back again.

Tips for Cleaning a Smelly Dishwasher2

Identify the Source of the Smell

But first of all, it is necessary to understand from where the smell originates from so that it is easier to deal with while cleaning the house. The most common culprits are:

  • Food debris: The food particles that may be still stuck at the filter, the spray arm or drain, can start to rot and therefore cause a bad odors.
  • Grease buildup: Sometimes grease can build up in the bottom of the dish washer as well as on the walls, giving off bad odors.
  • Mold and mildew: Condensation within the cavity of a dishwasher provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth.
  • Standing water: Water accumulated by a blocked drain or faulty pump can lead to water standing and that usually becomes smelly.

If the smell source is identified, the problem can be solved effectively thereby promising a clean dishwasher.

Clean the Dishwasher Filter

This could be the most important part of the body since it is responsible for holding food particles and other related debris. At long time, the trapped particles produce smell and therefore have to be cleaned frequently.

Dishwasher Filter

Steps to Clean the Filter

  1. Therefore, to clean the filter pull out the bottom rack of the dishwasher, since it is usually situated at the lower part of the appliance.
  2. If your model requires the twist motion, twist, if your model requires the lift motion, lift on the filter to remove it.
  3. Gently wash the filter with warm tap water to help in the removal of dirt.
  4. To remove hard to clean grime you should use a soft brush or even toothbrush while scrubbing the surface.
  5. Remount the filter and make sure that it is correctly set.

Regularly cleaning the filter—at least once a month—can prevent food buildup and odors.

Scrub the Spray Arms

Spray arms in the dishwasher help in rinsing during the washing cycle; they have to be clean, functional and properly assembled to give you the best results. If the mesh structures become blocked with food debris or mineral deposits, the cleaning capacity will be diminished which will lead to smells.

Dishwasher Spray Arms

Steps to Clean Spray Arms

  1. If you wash dishes by spraying the water, it is high time you cleaned the spray arms; consult the manual to learn how to do it.
  2. Check that the holes are blocked and then using a toothpick or fine wire remove them if blocked.
  3. Clean the spray arms with warm soapy water for not less than 15-20 minutes to dissolve grease or particle.

Deep Clean the Interior

As time goes, the inner walls of your dishwasher will be covered with layers of grease and floor dirt, which will result in bad odors. Organic cleaning can be used to clean interior surfaces and remove bad smells to make it fresh again.

Steps for Deep Cleaning

  1. Remove debris: This should be done by removing any remains of food found at the bottom of the dishwasher.
  2. Wipe down surfaces: Wipe out the walls, the door and the seals with warm soapy water using a damp cloth with or sponge.
  3. Use white vinegar: In a dishwasher-safe bowl, put one cup of white vinegar on the top rack and let it go through a hot water cycle. Furthermore, it may be used to cut on grease and counteract odors.
  4. Use baking soda: Pour a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and start it on a short hot water cycle. It deodorizes the dishwasher by picking up odors and leaving behind clean smell.

Clean the Drain

A blocked or a grubby drain results in stagnant water and bad odor.

Steps to Clean the Drain

  1. Remove the bottom rack and locate the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher.
  2. Inspect the drain for food particles, grease, or clogs.
  3. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down clogs:
  • Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar.
  • Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
  • Flush with hot water by running an empty cycle.

Check and Clean the Door Seals

Mold occurs and smell is produced due to the accumulation of grease and foods particles in the rubber seals of the dishwasher door. It is, therefore, important to clean the seals now and then.

DishWasher Door Seals

Steps to Clean Door Seals

  1. It is important to clean without rubbing with a damp cloth or sponge smeared of warm soapy water on the seals.
  2. For hard stain, use a toothbrush and wash it in circles to be sure you are cleaning it gently.

Although they are water animals, they should then be dried up with a different clean towel to avoid forming mold.

Inspect the Drain Hose

The drain hose is the tube that links your dishwasher to your plumbing. There is the problem whereby the hose is blocked or installed wrongly, and this leads to water congestion and generation of bad smells.

DishWasher Drain Hose

Steps to Inspect the Drain Hose

  • In the same way, the effectiveness of the reminder works, turn off the dishwasher and unplug it if possible.
  • There should not be kinks or clogs in the drain hose.
  • Let few water to pass through the hose if required then remove the hose and rinse it with hot water.

After washing reconnect the hose properly and make sure to have high loop installed to avoid backflow.

Use Dishwasher Cleaner

Professional dishwasher cleaners are designed to remove grease, limescale and eradicate a variety of unpleasant smells. A regular cleaner will help prevent the build-up of required smell as well as any other problems with your machine.

How to Use a Dishwasher Cleaner

  1. Please read the instructions printed on the pack of the cleaner you intend to use.
  2. As a rule, such a cleaner is put into the detergent compartment of the dishwasher or is put right into the bottom of the appliance.
  3. Have an EMPTY dishwasher and start a hot cycle on the machine.

Furthermore, using a dishwasher cleaner once a month can prevent odor-causing buildup.

Prevent Future Odors

  • Scrape plates before loading: Remove large food particles to prevent clogs.
  • Run hot water before starting a cycle: This helps the dishwasher clean more effectively.
  • Leave the door open after a cycle: Allowing air to circulate helps prevent mold and mildew.
  • Clean the filter and drain regularly: Monthly maintenance prevents buildup and odors.
  • Additionally, run empty cycles with vinegar or baking soda.

When to Call a Professional

If your dishwasher continues to smell despite thorough cleaning, there may be underlying issues such as:

  • A damaged or malfunctioning drain pump.
  • Persistent clogs in the plumbing system.
  • Mold or mildew in hard-to-reach areas.

In such cases, it may be wise to consult a professional to determine then come up with a solution for the same.

Our experienced plumbers are ready to help with fast, reliable solutions. Call us now to book an appointment.